"How to Find a Princess," by Alyssa Cole
Multicultural Contemporary Lesbian Romance
1 Smooch ~ Cozy
2 Smooches ~ Warm
3 Smooches ~ Simmering
4 Smooches ~ Red-Hot
5 Smooches ~ Scalding
Book Blurb
Makeda Hicks has lost her job and her girlfriend in one fell swoop. The last thing she’s in the mood for is to rehash the story of her grandmother’s infamous summer fling with a runaway prince from Ibarania, or the investigator from the World Federation of Monarchies tasked with searching for Ibarania’s missing heir.
Yet when Beznaria Chetchevaliere crashes into her life, the sleek and sexy investigator exudes exactly the kind of chaos that organized and efficient Makeda finds irresistible, even if Bez is determined to drag her into a world of royal duty Makeda wants nothing to do with.
When a threat to her grandmother’s livelihood pushes Makeda to agree to return to Ibarania, Bez takes her on a transatlantic adventure with a crew of lovable weirdos, a fake marriage, and one-bed hijinks on the high seas. When they finally make it to Ibarania, they realize there’s more at stake than just cash and crown, and Makeda must learn what it means to fight for what she desires and not what she feels bound to by duty.
My Review
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advanced copy of this book. I am providing a voluntary review. All thoughts and views are my own.
After being at the top of my want-to-read list for entirely too long, I finally had the opportunity to read a book by Alyssa Cole—and she did not disappoint. I learned right away that Cole’s voice is devastatingly addictive. I feel like I could pick out a passage written by her even though I’ve only read one book penned in her distinctive style. But at the same time, both characters still had their own unique voices, as well. You knew exactly whose head you were in without a moment of second-guessing. It’s truly magical and a skill many, many authors—including myself—will envy until the day we die.
I’m a huge fan of fairy tale retellings, so I was stoked to realize this was a sapphic Anastasia retelling. And Cole nailed it. Right down to Makeda’s doubt in her own royal lineage. The only real difference is that Bez isn’t trying to pass off an orphan with a questionable origin story as the long-lost monarch for personal gain—although, I suppose that second part could technically be argued as present and accounted for. Either way, this is a faithful retelling in all the best ways.
I also have to point out that there is some seriously positive neurodivergent rep in the delightful Bez. Either Cole herself is neurodivergent or she has someone very close to her or is… or else she did some serious research, and quite clearly, utilized a sensitivity reader. Because while it’s painfully honest in some respects, it is never done distastefully or in such a way that makes Bez’s neurodivergence feel like a convenient plot device.
The only thing that keeps this from being a full five-star read for me was that it dragged a bit at the beginning. I wish there was a bit less of the buildup and more of the story itself because once things get going, they are pure fire. 🔥
I would recommend this for all readers who love sapphic romance, but also those who love fairy tale retellings or the contemporary royal world. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more by Cole, especially in her various royal-related series. 💕
ALyssa Cole
She/Her
Alyssa Cole is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of romance (historical, contemporary, and sci-fi) and thrillers. Her Civil War-set espionage romance An Extraordinary Union was the American Library Association's RUSA Best Romance for 2018, and her contemporary romance A Princess in Theory was one of the New York Times' 100 Notable Books of 2018. Her books have received critical acclaim from Marie Claire, Library Journal, Kirkus, Booklist, Jezebel, The Washington Post, Book Riot, Entertainment Weekly, and various other outlets. When she's not working, she can usually be found watching anime or wrangling her pets.
Connect with Alyssa below!
So, what are you waiting for? How to Find a Princess is available for your reading pleasure on or after its release date—May 25th, 2021! Get your copy today!! 📖
